Seasonal variation in medical student experience in an obstetrics and gynecology clerkship.

Abstract

Our objective was to determine whether the medical student clinical experience varies during the academic year. Third-year medical students completing their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship were asked to complete a questionnaire about their clinical experience. The survey evaluated their experience with examinations and procedures using Likert-scale responses. The study was approved by the local institutional review board. A total of 90.5% of the students completed the questionnaire. Statistically more procedures were performed in the middle and late time periods than early in the year. This included the number of cervical examinations (P < or = .001), speculum examinations (P < or = .05), delivery of placentas (P < or = .001) and partial delivery of infant with delivery of placenta (P < or = .01), partial repair of an episiotomy (P < or = .01), and number of ultrasounds (P < or = .05) performed by the students. For some obstetrical and gynecological procedures, student hands-on experience increased during mid- and late-year clerkship rotations.